Lucas fulfills dream, joins Houston Rocket
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-31 08:52

"I can't get caught up in the moment," Lucas III said. "I'm out here to do a job."

The Rockets certainly didn't sign him for sentimental reasons. They're in last place in the Southwest Division and have lost four straight games as they continue to deal with injuries, mostly in the backcourt. Guards Rafer Alston, Derek Anderson and Jon Barry have missed a total of 39 games with leg problems and another guard, Bob Sura, is lost for the season after back surgery in November.

Lucas III was the last player to leave the practice floor on Friday, shooting jumper after jumper as reporters waited to talk to him. Despite his eagerness, coach Jeff Van Gundy is skeptical about what Lucas III can contribute.

"I really have no expectations," Van Gundy said.